Barcelona’s marquee summer signing closing in on first start after carefully managed introduction

Barcelona’s marquee summer signing closing in on first start after carefully managed introduction Rodri is closing in on his first start for Barcelona, with Hansi Flick now deciding when to end the midfielder’s carefully managed introduction to life at his new club. The Spain international has featured in two of Barcelona’s three matches since arriving, but both appearances have come from the bench.  Notably, he played 27 minutes against Athletic Club before adding another 26 minutes against Rayo Vallecano. That limited involvement was, in fact, deliberate. Barcelona believed Rodri needed a controlled build-up after his demanding World Cup campaign, and the individual programme designed around him reached its planned conclusion after the Rayo Vallecano match. As such, he has trained normally this week, leaving Flick with a choice over when to hand his summer signing a full match. Flick has two opportunities to unleash Rodri Rodri is yet to start for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) According to SPORT , Barcelona are considering either Valencia on Sunday or Feyenoord next Wednesday as the moment for Rodri’s first start. In any way, the midfielder is expected to have an important role at Mestalla regardless of whether he begins the game or enters during the second half.  The Champions League meeting with Feyenoord, on the other hand, could then provide the clearest opportunity for him to move into the starting XI. As mentioned in the report, “the coaching staff are carefully planning Rodri’s appearances and training workload” with the aim of having him 100% in a very long and demanding season. At the same time, even the midfielder is putting in all the efforts he can to be fully available.  Marc Bernal has given Barcelona breathing room One reason Flick can afford to introduce Rodri gradually is Marc Bernal. Rodri could start against Valencia or Feyenoord. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) The young midfielder has performed strongly enough to remove any immediate need for Barcelona to rely on their new signing for every minute.  Rodri’s arrival was expected to strengthen the position, but Bernal has ensured the team has not been left exposed while the Spain international builds his fitness. So now, the plan is for the two midfielders to rotate. Rodri’s importance should increase as the season moves into its biggest fixtures, though.  When he reaches his best physical condition, his experience and control are expected to make him the preferred starter in major games.